Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly present in our lives. It is now common to use tools such as ChatGPT to obtain information about a certain subject, summarize documents, or even to request a recipe. They have been playing an important role in everyone’s daily lives, but also in different areas, such as health, commerce and education. “[Na área da educação] After the pandemic, there was a huge investment, both in connectivity and in infrastructure and equipment. There was a digital improvement in almost all stakeholders”, says João Magalhães, CEO of Code for All. But, he continues, “we felt that there was a lack of training in these new technologies on the part of teachers.”
That’s why the technology school, with programming courses – some aimed at professionals in specific areas, such as human resources or law –, decided to create, in partnership with Fundação Semapa – Pedro Queiroz Pereira, an introduction course to artificial intelligence for primary and secondary school teachers. “These courses are very important for deconstructing the myths that are created about artificial intelligence. We explain the concepts, what the risks and their potential are and, then, people have the option to adopt or not adopt”, explains João, mentioning other challenges that contribute to the importance of this course.
According to a study, presented this year by Fundação Semapa, on the motivations, challenges and barriers to developing a teaching career, 90% of teachers are over 40 years old, which means that “the lack of teachers will be even more pressing”, and more than 50% of teachers up to the age of 30 consider the possibility of changing professions. Digital skills training can therefore be the answer to reversing this reality.
You can sign up for the course HERE
Margarida Rebocho, managing director of Fundação Semapa, a philanthropic institution focused on education and social protection, explains why: “There is a lot of time spent by teachers on administrative tasks, in which the use of these tools can help. These are jobs that take up a lot of time. This time the teacher could use to carry out his mission with the students, accompanying them and motivating them for other types of tasks, awakening their curiosity and critical spirit, which is fundamental.”
of teachers used artificial intelligence tools during the 2024/2025 school year
“We found, with great enthusiasm, that many [professores] are fully available to use and incorporate artificial intelligence”, but, explains the person in charge, “the level of use is still very basic, so the opportunity is here.” 26% of teachers use AI to prepare assessment elements and/or assignments, while only 25% of teachers use AI in the classroom context. “If the teacher feels comfortable using AI, they will also be able to provide support, at a technological level, in a much larger classroom, even integrating some of these tools or possibilities into their curriculum plan and helping students to follow this path in a responsible and ethical way”, believes Margarida.
“We can finally adapt curricula. We have a curriculum for a teacher who has 20, 30 students with different backgrounds and interests, but we are teaching biology or mathematics in the same way to everyone. It’s counter-pedagogical, but it was what could be done, right? We couldn’t have a personalized plan for each of them. Maybe now, we can start to have it”, says Sérgio Gouveia, a teacher at Code for All with around ten years of experience in programming and one of those responsible for design this course for primary and secondary education teachers.
“Whether we are very skeptical about technology or not, it is imperative to know it”, believes Sérgio Gouveia, trainer at Code for All
“This is one of those revolutions like the web in the 90s, or the smartphones in 2007, but this has very large and immediate access. I can start talking to ChatGPT, I can ask it what it’s for, I can bring it into my life very quickly. And sometimes you just need to take a step or two back and understand how it works. It’s not that complicated, it’s just not visible”, believes the trainer, highlighting that this type of digital tools can make a big difference in the way you teach.
of teachers use AI to prepare classes
That is why, for Sérgio, it is so important to learn more about these topics. “Whether we are very skeptical about technology or not, knowing it is imperative. If our conviction is to combat it, then we have to know it very well. If we are to embrace it, we also have to know it very well to use it properly and maximize its potential.”
The course will take place nationally and, if successful at the end, the idea is that it will continue in the future. For the first classes, the Semapa Foundation will finance 100 scholarships for teachers, whose applications will be evaluated by the foundation together with Code for All. Aspects such as motivations for carrying out the training, the number of students the candidate has in charge will be taken into account and group applications will be given priority, to increase the impact of the project.
What is Code for All?
It is a technology school with introductory, intensive or specialization courses in programming.
Who is the course aimed at?
To primary and secondary school teachers across the country.
What is it for?
The course serves to train teachers with artificial intelligence tools, to be applied in the classroom context, in class support activities or in administrative work, with the aim of contributing to digital innovation in education and preparing the next generations for the future. It was prepared by AI experts, together with teachers, and is accredited by the CCPFC (Scientific-Pedagogical Council for Continuing Training), with the support of the Infante D. Pedro Training Center.
When does it take place? And in what ways?
It takes place between November 12th and 26th and between November 27th and December 11th (candidates can choose the dates that are most convenient for them). There are 15 hours of classes in Portuguese, divided into five sessions, online and after work, between 6pm and 9pm.
How much does it cost?
Nothing. The Semapa Foundation – Pedro Queiroz Pereira will finance the first classes of the course with 100 scholarships.
How and until when can I register?
Registration is done through site da Code for All up to ten days before the start date of the chosen class.
This project is supported by sponsors, with all content created, edited and produced by Expresso (see code of Conduct), without external interference.
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